55
MONSTER
Wanted: Dead promises "spectacular melee combat and exciting gunplay," and is set in a "dark and dangerous version of science-fiction Hong Kong where you will need sharpened skills to survive."
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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55
A cyberpunk action game with stylish flair and nostalgic nods, but its disjointed plot, hollow characters, and awkward dialogue undermine its ambitions, leaving critics frustrated by its failed execution.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
55
Positive Reviews (80-100)
5%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
53%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
42%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
A cyberpunk action game with stylish flair and nostalgic nods, but its disjointed plot, hollow characters, and awkward dialogue undermine its ambitions, leaving critics frustrated by its failed execution.
Gameplay Mechanics
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65
Wanted: Dead delivers stylish hybrid combat with satisfying melee/ranged combos but is undermined by repetitive gameplay, clunky systems, and punishing difficulty.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
65
Positive Reviews (80-100)
28%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
51%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
21%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Wanted: Dead delivers stylish hybrid combat with satisfying melee/ranged combos but is undermined by repetitive gameplay, clunky systems, and punishing difficulty.
Graphics and Visual Design
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59
Despite stylish cyberpunk visuals and creative art direction, Wanted: Dead is buried under dated graphics, clunky tech, and repetitive design, with critics calling out choppy frames, generic environments, and a lack of polish that tank its modern appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
59
Positive Reviews (80-100)
14%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
49%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
37%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Despite stylish cyberpunk visuals and creative art direction, Wanted: Dead is buried under dated graphics, clunky tech, and repetitive design, with critics calling out choppy frames, generic environments, and a lack of polish that tank its modern appeal.
Music and Sound Design
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56
Wanted: Dead’s soundtrack dazzled with 80s covers and nostalgic flair, but clunky voice acting, generic music, and technical audio glitches drowned its charm, leaving critics torn between its quirks and glaring flaws.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
56
Positive Reviews (80-100)
17%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
46%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
37%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Wanted: Dead’s soundtrack dazzled with 80s covers and nostalgic flair, but clunky voice acting, generic music, and technical audio glitches drowned its charm, leaving critics torn between its quirks and glaring flaws.
Voice Acting
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47
Critics panned Wanted: Dead's voice acting as inconsistent, awkward, and immersion-breaking, with repetitive lines, jarring accents, and poor execution dominating reviews—though a few praised its quirky charm and standout performances, framing it as "so bad it's good" but ultimately a major flaw.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
47
Positive Reviews (80-100)
5%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
34%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
61%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics panned Wanted: Dead's voice acting as inconsistent, awkward, and immersion-breaking, with repetitive lines, jarring accents, and poor execution dominating reviews—though a few praised its quirky charm and standout performances, framing it as "so bad it's good" but ultimately a major flaw.
Technical Performance
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47
Wanted: Dead stumbles on all platforms: PS5 suffers from crashes and glitches, Xbox grapples with frame drops and animation issues, PC battles FPS instability and audio hiccups—despite some praise for smooth performance, technical flaws dominate.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
47
Positive Reviews (80-100)
6%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
32%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
62%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Wanted: Dead stumbles on all platforms: PS5 suffers from crashes and glitches, Xbox grapples with frame drops and animation issues, PC battles FPS instability and audio hiccups—despite some praise for smooth performance, technical flaws dominate.
Replay Value
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51
Wanted: Dead offers fleeting replayability through unlockables, mini-games, and combat variety, but its repetitive structure, short length, and shallow mechanics leave most critics unimpressed, favoring niche fans over broader appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
51
Positive Reviews (80-100)
4%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
55%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
41%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Wanted: Dead offers fleeting replayability through unlockables, mini-games, and combat variety, but its repetitive structure, short length, and shallow mechanics leave most critics unimpressed, favoring niche fans over broader appeal.
Overall Verdict
55
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
55
Positive Reviews (80-100)
11%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
70%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
19%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
A flawed, punishing experience that leans into retro chaos but falters under technical issues, unbalanced mechanics, and a hollow narrative, offering fleeting enjoyment for niche fans but mostly delivering a janky, repetitive slog that fails to live up to its potential.
55
MONSTER
Reviews
141 reviews found85
Movies Games and Tech
Aug 24, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Wanted: Dead is a great hybrid title that successfully blends slasher and shooter elements, offering a rewarding experience for both nostalgic and modern gamers.
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80
Hardcore Gamer
Feb 15, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Wanted: Dead is a punishingly-difficult bloodbath that's a joy to play. The combat system is rewarding once mastered, and the minigames offer a sense of levity.
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80
Gamereactor UK
Feb 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is a brutal and challenging experience, with chaotic battles and a retro feel. It may not suit everyone, but for fans of old-school hack 'n slash games, it's a gift from heaven.
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80
GamingBolt
Feb 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Wanted: Dead is a weird and fun action game that embraces its retro influences, offering a unique experience that stands out in the current gaming landscape.
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80
TheXboxHub
Feb 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Wanted: Dead is a nostalgic throwback to older gaming eras, offering stylish combat and quirky elements, despite some technical flaws. It is recommended for fans of mature-rated games from the past.
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80
CD-Action
Mar 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, Wanted: Dead is recommended for its hardcore action and engaging gameplay, despite its high difficulty and some narrative issues. It appeals to fans of classic action games.
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80
Eurogamer Germany
Feb 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, Wanted: Dead is an enjoyable action game that embraces its retro influences. While it has some flaws in level design and voice acting, it offers engaging gameplay and a unique charm.
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80
Gaming Nexus
Feb 14, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Despite its janky aspects and technical issues, Wanted: Dead is a stylish throwback to older action games with an addictive combat system, appealing to fans of the genre.
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80
Hooked Gamers
Feb 15, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Wanted: Dead embraces its inspirations and provides a satisfying swordplay experience with a ridiculous story. However, it has punishing enemy hordes, infrequent checkpoints, and lackluster gunplay. It may require nostalgia for early 2000's games to truly enjoy.
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79
COGconnected
Feb 15, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Fans of third-person action games who want a gameplay-focused experience should give Wanted: Dead a try. The combat is intense and rewarding, but the voice acting and dull narrative may be off-putting.
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